Modern Homes

An editorial guide to modern residential architecture, designers and iconic homes in the Pacific Northwest.

Compass on a blueprint, indicating architectural design or drafting.

Explore Modern Styles

We are so fortunate in the Pacific Northwest and cities like Portland to have a long lineage of modern architects who recognized how special our part of the country is. You'll find mid-century tract homes as well as modern masterpieces scattered throughout the forests and mountains. Our contemporary offerings span the entire range from minimalist to Scandinavian to 70's retro. And relatively new on the scene is Farmhouse Modern which has gained a huge following with its cozy and approachable modern style.

Mid-Century Modern home with a dark roof and wooden accents, glass entrance, garage, and lush greenery.
Contemporary Modern black house with garage, set amidst lush greenery and trees. Concrete driveway.
Northwest Modern house with brown wood accents, gray stone, and a two-car garage. Lush green lawn and trees.
Elegant white kitchen with arched doorway, wood beams, and large pendant lights.

Iconic Modern Homes

Join us for a tour of significant and iconic modern homes. Some of these homes may be available for sale, so each listing has a link where you can check pricing and availability.

Villa M: A Portland Masterpiece of Contemporary Scandinavian Design

Villa M: A Portland Masterpiece of Contemporary Scandinavian Design
A Double-Gabled Rummer in Oak Hills

A Double-Gabled Rummer in Oak Hills
The Shaw House by John Yeon

The Shaw House by John Yeon
The Fletcher House: An Architect's First Masterpiece in the Riverdale Woods

The Fletcher House: An Architect's First Masterpiece in the Riverdale Woods
The Carousel House: Where Architecture, Landscape, and Legacy Converge

The Carousel House: Where Architecture, Landscape, and Legacy Converge
The Zaik Residence: A Northwest Modern Landmark

The Zaik Residence: A Northwest Modern Landmark
The Joss House: Eloquent Simplicity on a Portland Hillside

The Joss House: Eloquent Simplicity on a Portland Hillside
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Our Latest ModBlog Articles

Join us for deep dives into Portland's modern architecture scene - the neighborhoods, the architects, and stories about modern living and design.

a post and beam construction interior of a mid-century modern home.

Post-and-Beam Construction

By Brian Enright • February 17, 2026
How the ancient building technique of post-and-beam construction got reimagined for the modern era helps explain why mid-century homes look and feel the way they do.
Contemporary house with a gray roof and garage, stone and wood accents, and a concrete driveway.

Modern or Contemporary? Let's Clear That Up.

By Brian Enright • February 9, 2026
The terms "modern" and "contemporary" get used interchangeably in real estate, but there is a difference. Let's review what makes a home contemporary vs modern.
Modern Home in the Pacific Northwest

Why Portland and Seattle Became Hubs for Modern Residential Architecture

By Brian Enright • November 14, 2025
Explore why Portland and Seattle became leaders in modern residential architecture, shaped by culture, climate, sustainability, and regional design.
Modern cabin in a forest setting with a wooden deck and large windows.

How Eco-Friendly Modern Homes Revolutionize Today’s Market

By Brian Enright • January 14, 2024
The environmental impact of modern life is becoming an increasing concern. People want to live more sustainable lives and limit their impact on the environment. For many, eco-friendly modern homes have a significant role in making our lives more sustainable. Real estate markets are seeing increased ...
Modern home with large windows, dark trim, and landscaped yard.

Landscaping Ideas For Your Modern Home

By Brian Enright • January 9, 2024
Many of us consider our homes to be our castles, but for some, the outdoor space is where we define what we want from our homes. It can be a refuge from the stresses of the modern world, a place to spend time relaxing with friends and loved ones, a recreation space for activities, or any other numbe...
Modern two-story house with dark brown siding, large windows, and a flat roof against a blue sky.

What Does LEED Certified Mean?

By Brian Enright • March 30, 2023
The desire for a more sustainable life is growing. People want to conserve resources, live in healthier homes, and do what they can to protect the environment. This demand leads many to the idea of a LEED-certified project.LEED Certified ProjectsLEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental...